English Reference

Word

pace

/ˈpeɪs/

Definitions

01speed of movement

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the speed at which someone walks, runs, or moves.

n. the rate of speed at which an individual walks, runs, or moves.

“We walked at a fast pace to reach the station before the train left.”

“The marathon runner maintained a steady pace for the first twenty miles, conserving energy for a final sprint toward the finish line.”

02rate of progress

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the speed at which something happens or develops.

n. the speed at which an activity or process unfolds or develops.

“The pace of modern life can be very stressful for some people.”

“Technological innovation is moving at such a relentless pace that regulatory frameworks often struggle to remain relevant.”

03a single step

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a single step taken when walking.

n. a single step in walking or running, often used as a rough unit of measurement for distance.

“He took a few paces toward the window to get a better view.”

“The duellists were instructed to stand back-to-back and walk ten paces before turning to face one another.”

Synonyms

04to walk nervously

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to walk back and forth in a small area, often because you are worried or waiting.

v. to walk with regular steps back and forth across a limited area, typically as an expression of anxiety or deep thought.

“She paced the hospital waiting room while she waited for news.”

“The expectant father paced the length of the corridor, his footsteps echoing rhythmically against the linoleum floor.”

Synonyms

05to control speed

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to do something at a steady speed so you do not get tired too quickly.

v. to regulate the speed of an activity or oneself to ensure consistent progress or to avoid premature exhaustion.

“You need to pace yourself during the long hike so you have energy for the climb.”

“The experienced cyclist knew how to pace her ascent, ensuring she didn't deplete her oxygen reserves before reaching the summit.”

Synonyms

06respectful disagreement

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Academic

prep. a very formal way to say 'with respect to' when you disagree with someone.

prep. used to express polite or respectful disagreement with a person or their opinion.

“Pace the professor, I believe the data suggests a different conclusion.”

“Pace the eminent historian, recent archaeological findings suggest that the fortification was actually constructed several decades later than previously assumed.”

Usage

Usually placed at the beginning of a clause or phrase, followed by the name of the person being disagreed with.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pace” in context.

Verb

01. keep pace with technology

“It is difficult for older companies to keep pace with technology in such a fast-moving market.”

verb + noun + prep + noun

02. pick up the pace

“We are running late, so we need to pick up the pace if we want to arrive on time.”

verb + noun

03. set the pace

“The champion runner set the pace for the rest of the group during the first half of the race.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. frantic pace

“She decided to move to the countryside to escape the frantic pace of city life.”

adj + noun

05. steady pace

“If you maintain a steady pace, you will be able to finish the marathon without getting exhausted.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. change of pace

“Going for a hike on the weekend was a nice change of pace from my usual office routine.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

07. at a snail's pace

“Traffic was moving at a snail's pace because of the heavy snowstorm on the highway.”

prep + adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“We have to keep pace with our young people with what they're learning," she added.”
BBC News 16 Aug 2026
“That amount rises each year to help people keep pace with rising living costs.”
BBC News 30 Jun 2026

Word family

Idioms

Domain

Law

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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